Canada's complex work permit system often deters both skilled workers and employers. The standard route, through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), can take months, cost hundreds of dollars, and involve strict employer obligations. Fortunately, there is a faster alternative available for nationals of specific countries.
Under the International Mobility Program (IMP), Canada allows LMIA-exempt work permits for eligible individuals whose home countries have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Canada. These permits reduce processing times and paperwork, giving professionals quicker access to Canadian opportunities.
Normally, Canadian employers hiring foreign workers must demonstrate that no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the job. This is the essence of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
However, the International Mobility Program (IMP) provides exemptions from this requirement for foreign workers who bring broad economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages to Canada. One major source of these exemptions: international trade agreements.
Work permits under the IMP do not require an LMIA but do require a job offer, submission through IRCC’s Employer Portal, and payment of a compliance fee.
Nationals from the following countries may qualify for LMIA-exempt permits under Canada’s FTAs. These permits are typically available for specific professional occupations listed in each agreement’s annex:
| Trade Agreement | Eligible Countries | Example Occupations (Not exhaustive) |
| CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) | U.S., Mexico | Engineer, Economist, IT Analyst, Urban Planner, Graphic Designer |
| Canada-UK TCA | United Kingdom | Accountant, Consultant, Architect, Mathematician, HR Specialist |
| CETA | EU member states (e.g., France, Germany, Spain) | Lawyer, Scientist, Project Manager, Market Analyst, Biologist |
| Pacific Alliance | Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico | Technician, Researcher, Analyst, Civil Engineer, Medical Technologist |
| CKFTA | South Korea | Marketing Manager, Engineer, Auditor, Logistics Specialist, Technical Writer |
| Chile FTA | Chile | Designer, Translator, Legal Advisor, Urban Development Specialist |
| Panama FTA | Panama | Environmental Specialist, Urban Planner, Database Administrator |
Eligibility also depends on profession-specific annexes and proof of qualifications.
Understanding the differences in timelines and complexity between LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt permits is crucial for planning. Here’s how they compare:
| Permit Type | Average Processing Time | Annual Issuances | Employer Burden |
| LMIA-Based Work Permit | 7.1 months (avg. 2024–25) | ~95,000 | High (ads, forms, wait) |
| IMP (LMIA-Exempt) | 3.2 months | ~88,000 | Low (no LMIA needed) |
Source: IRCC Open Data, 2024; CIC News, 2025.
| Name | Country | FTA Used | Job Title | Permit Time | Path to PR |
| Ana | Colombia | Pacific Alliance | Civil Engineer | 2.5 months | Express Entry via CEC |
| Thomas | France | CETA | Financial Analyst | 3 months | Ontario PNP – Human Capital |
| Emily | USA | CUSMA | Management Consultant | 1.8 months | EE - FSW, with job offer |
These cases show how LMIA-exempt permits accelerate entry into the Canadian workforce and pave the way for permanent residency under various federal and provincial programs.
To apply for an LMIA-exempt permit under a trade agreement, applicants must provide:
Employers must:
Labour shortages, long LMIA timelines, and rising audit risks have made LMIA-exempt hiring increasingly attractive for Canadian employers. The benefits include:
However, employers remain accountable. According to ESDC, 11% of employers audited in 2024 were found non-compliant due to improper documentation or misuse of exemptions.
If you're a professional from one of the eligible countries, you may be able to work in Canada faster by applying through an LMIA-exempt stream. The following table outlines the essential steps and what each one accomplishes.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Benefit |
| Determine eligibility | Check country & job title under FTA annex | Confirms LMIA exemption |
| Secure job offer | Ensure employer uses Employer Portal | Compliance & tracking |
| Gather documentation | Citizenship, qualifications, job offer | Smooth application process |
| Apply under IMP | Use appropriate FTA code | Avoids LMIA wait and costs |
| Track Canadian experience | Work toward PR eligibility | Access to EE, PNPs, CEC |
Each of these steps supports both short-term work authorization and long-term immigration planning. Verifying your profession’s eligibility and ensuring correct documentation upfront will significantly increase your chances of success.
You may be eligible for a Canadian work permit without an LMIA. Qualification depends on your citizenship, occupation, and whether your employer is familiar with using this streamlined system.
Not sure if you qualify? Take a free assessment with AskAïa to explore your options under Canada’s LMIA-exempt trade agreements.